Thrill-seeking kayakers plunge from 30m waterfall amid NSW torrential rain

Torrential rain has forced thousands to retreat to drier ground but a heartstopping video shows these kayakers had another idea.

Onlookers gasped in terror in footage showing three thrillseeking kayakers plunging 30 metres off a waterfall during this week’s heavy rainfall in New South Wales.

Torrential rain has led to flooding in large parts of the state near Coffs Harbour but as most retreated to drier ground as rivers swelled and bridges were submerged, this small group of dare devils grabbed their kayaks and headed to the top of Dangar falls on Monday.

Each can be seen edging closer and closer to the rushing falls in videos posted to Facebook before plunging over the edge.

A bystander is heard saying “what a mad man” in shock, as the first kayaker took several seconds to resurface.

Posted by Riley Carter on Sunday, December 13, 2020

“He’s up, he’s up,” the relieved filmer is heard saying.

Severe rainfall has forced many communities to be evacuated from their homes further north in New South Wales on the Tweed River at Condong.

Posted by Riley Carter on Sunday, December 13, 2020

Posted by Riley Carter on Sunday, December 13, 2020

The order to “evacuate now” was issued late Tuesday morning as flood waters began to close low-lying roads, and the Tweed Valley Way to the north of Tumbulgum.

Around 1000 properties are believed to be affected, including those on the Tweed Valley Way north of Murwillumbah, Condong and Tumbulgum and the low-lying areas of Tygalgah and surrounding areas.

“Once flood water begins inundating the area, road access, water, sewerage, power, phones, and internet may be lost,” the order reads.